sandpaper

American  

[sand-pey-per] / ˈsændˌpeɪ pər /

noun

1. strong paper coated with a layer of sand or other abrasive, used for smoothing or polishing.

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verb (used with object)

sandpapers, present (3rd person singular) sandpapered, past participle, past sandpapering present participle

1. to smooth or polish with or as if with sandpaper.

sandpaper British  

/ ˈsændˌpeɪpə /

noun

1. (formerly) a strong paper coated with sand for smoothing and polishing

2. a common name for glasspaper

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verb

1. (tr) to polish or grind (a surface) with or as if with sandpaper

Other Word Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has sandpapered
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have sandpapered
  perfect
• are sandpapering
  progressive
• is sandpapering
  progressive 3rd person singular
• has been sandpapering
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• am sandpapering
  progressive 1st person singular
• have been sandpapering
  perfect progressive
• sandpapering
  participle
• sandpapers
  singular 3rd person

Past

• had sandpapered
  perfect
• had been sandpapering
  perfect progressive
• was sandpapering
  progressive singular
• were sandpapering
  progressive plural
• sandpapered
  simple
• sandpapered
  participle

Future

• will sandpaper
  simple
• will have sandpapered
  perfect
• will have been sandpapering
  perfect progressive
• will be sandpapering
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of sandpaper

First recorded in 1815–25; sand + paper

Explanation

Sandpaper is a special thick paper with a rough, abrasive surface. Painters will often sand a wall with sandpaper before painting it. Woodworkers use sandpaper to smooth wooden surfaces, and sandpaper is also useful for removing loose paint, grit, or dirt when you're painting or refinishing something. Sandpaper is thought to have been invented in thirteenth century China, from a crushed substance, often shells or sand, that was glued to parchment with natural gum. In the 1800s, a similar product called "glass paper" was made from crushed glass, which, despite its name, is sometimes still used in today's sandpaper.

Example Sentences

It started life as the Sandpaper Eyes Club because none of them were getting any sleep.

From BBC • May 30, 2021

That’s before even thinking about the return of the Sandpaper trio, all available today for their first outing in the baggy green since that fateful day at Newlands.

From The Guardian • Aug. 1, 2019

Sandpaper skin, deep gorges across his forehead and wrinkles alongside the temples like cracked, dry earth.

From Economist • Feb. 18, 2018

Hang Up and Listen: The Sandpaper, Pine Tar, and Hair Gel Edition ’s sports podcast on the NBA playoffs, spitball accusations, and Spelman College dropping out of the NCAA.

From Slate • May 6, 2013

Sandpaper for Cleaning Pots—Always keep a piece of fine sandpaper by the sink with which to clean pots.

From Fowler's Household Helps Over 300 Useful and Valuable Helps About the Home, Carefully Compiled and Arranged in Convenient Form for Frequent Use by Fowler, Arthur L.